🍇 Katharina Gessl (Zellerndorf / Weinviertel, Austria)

Katharina Gessl is a dynamic young winemaker and one of the rising stars of the Weinviertel region, based in the village of Zellerndorf. While growing up in the family's multi-generational Bio Weingut Gessl (which has been certified organic since 2017), she officially founded her own distinct wine line at the age of 25.

Philosophy and Style

Katharina Gessl's winemaking philosophy is characterized by a balance between honoring family tradition and embracing modern, minimal-intervention techniques.

• Origin and Nature: She is deeply connected to her home and the Retzerland area of the Weinviertel. She works within her family's organically farmed vineyards, prioritizing listening to nature and maintaining a connection to the soil and region.

• Minimal Intervention: Her goal is to produce pure, natural, and timeless wines that are made with patience and gut feeling ("nach Bauchgefühl"). She primarily uses spontaneous fermentation and works with low or no added sulfur (SO2​).

• Character: Katharina wants her wines to be "light on their feet but always strong in character," reflecting the joy and enthusiasm she finds in life. She aims for a style that is both approachable and engaging, encouraging drinkers to spend an entire evening with the bottle.

The Wines

Katharina Gessl cultivates about 2.65 hectares of land, focusing on the region's classic and versatile grape varieties.

• Grape Varieties: Her core varieties include Grüner Veltliner, Gelber Muskateller, and Zweigelt, along with St. Laurent and Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder).

• Experimental Lines: She is known for her creative approach to naming and style, producing:

  • Pet-Nats (naturally sparkling wines), such as the 'Barawararin'.

  • Spontaneous fermentations and minimal-sulfur wines like the 'Spompanadeln' range.

  • Characteristic single varietals like the 'Schlingel' (Gelber Muskateller) and 'Hawara' (Grüner Veltliner).

Katharina Gessl skillfully combines her background in both International Wine Business and Media Strategy with her hands-on vineyard expertise, making her a compelling figure who bridges classic Weinviertel character with the global natural wine movement.